World Cup Qualifying Best Bets - Europe - March 26

Latest betting odds and expert insight ahead of the European World Cup Qualifying semi-finals on March 26. 

Despite only losing two of their eight World Cup qualifiers, Italy once again find themselves on the cusp of missing out on a major tournament. Wins over each of Moldova, Estonia and Israel twice meant little in the end as Italy were completely outdone by Norway in both of their meetings. 

A 3-0 defeat to Norway away from home in their opener and a 4-1 loss at home to the same opponent in their final match saw Italy hammered twice. This saw them sink down to second in the standings, meaning they now have to triumph in the playoffs if they are to make the World Cup. Fortunately for Italy, they have only lost one of their eight games against Northern Ireland, with all of their five wins coming to nil. While the travelling side will give Italy some issues, I back them to come out of this one with a win and a clean sheet. 

Northern Ireland arrive for their World Cup Qualifying semi-final needing a huge result after missing out on automatic qualification for the showpiece event this summer. Two defeats to Germany and a loss to Slovakia came alongside three wins, with this not enough to send Northern Ireland to the tournament automatically. Each of their last two defeats have been to nil, and I predict that they will slip to a heart-breaking loss as they miss out on the chance to make the World Cup in 2026. 

Wales needed to secure a pair of wins in their final two World Cup Qualifying games to finish above North Macedonia as they took second place. After securing five wins in their eight, Wales notched 16 points as Belgium finished at the summit, two points ahead of them. Despite failing to top the group, Wales impressed. They head into their home match against Bosnia having won three of their four home games, only losing once to Belgium in a pulsating 4-2 loss. 

While the Welsh will be roared on by an expectant crowd, they have struggled against Bosnia. The pair have met four times, with Bosnia winning twice and two games ending as draws. While I back Wales to score, I do not predict that they will outscore their opponents. 

Bosnia & Herzegovina were denied top spot in Group H as they failed to beat Austria in their final match. This draw saw Austria finish two points clear of Bosnia, with the latter consigned to the playoffs. Across qualifying, Bosnia secured five wins throughout their eight matches, while they saw both teams score in each of their last four outings in qualifying. While travelling to Cardiff to face Wales is never easy, Bosnia are unbeaten in their four away games in qualifying, winning twice and drawing twice. With this in mind, I back Bosnia to hold Wales as this tie is sent into extra-time.